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27 Reader Tips That Save Time and Money

The can-do readers of TOH have come up with a trove of ingenious, useful ways to make working on and living in your home a little easier

Mini-Roller Cleanup

Instead of buying new 4-inch mini rollers when I paint, I have an easy way to wash the old ones clean. Take a jar with a tight-fitting lid and fill it with warm water and a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent. Squeeze as much paint out of the roller as you can, then drop it into the jar and close the lid. Shake it for a minute, let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, and shake again. Pour out the dirty water, then shake the roller in clean, warm water and detergent. When the roller's fibers are paint-free, add warm, clean water to the jar and shake well. Repeat to rinse the roller thoroughly, and lay it out to dry. This is a real money-saver.